The Best New Songs of September 2017

With every new month comes a fresh new load of music to listen to. Scroll through the best so far below, and check back in every week for new recommendations.

"Too Good at Goodbyes" by Sam Smith

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The Brit crooner comes back with his first single in years with another heart-wrenching breakup ballad featuring his bellowing vocals and a gospel choir. According to Smith, we should be expecting a new album by Christmas this year.

"Los Ageless" by St. Vincent

When Annie Clark officially announced the title and release date of her upcoming album, (MASSEDUCTION, Oct. 13), she released another single with it. Following the bittersweet ballad of "New York," this play on LA shows the artist's intensity, in lyrics and in sound.

"Quicksand" by SZA

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SZA is on a roll. After releasing her debut album in June and teaming up with Maroon 5 a few weeks ago, the songstress dropped another moody single through Insecure's stacked soundtrack.

"Moving Mountains" by Syd

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Six months after releasing her debut album, The Internet's frontwoman once again proves her chops solo. This time, it's on a three-song EP, Always Never Home, and this intro track starts the project on a high note.

"Mountains of Gold" by Everything Is Recorded feat. Sampha, Ibeyi, Wiki, and Kamasi Washington

Producer and label owner of XL Recordings Richard Russell gathers a slew of fine talents for his debut EP, Close But Not Quite. On this single, we get Ibeyi's unconventional vocals, a verse by Wiki, Sampha's harmony-filled chorus, and Kamasi Washington's sax riffs all in one.

More great songs from this month:

“Mood” by dvsn

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Following their June release, “Don’t Choose,” the OVO duo returns with another slow jam (think straight-up “get it on music”). Daniel Daley’s seductive falsetto glides above the Nineteen85-produced track. Their follow up to September 5th can’t come soon enough.

“No Title” by Corbin

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This Minnesota-bred artist might have shed his former persona (Spooky Black), but he hasn’t strayed too far from the sound that earned his reputation of virility. Corbin’s debut album—produced by Shlohmo and D33J—is loaded with “dark electronica,” like this untitled standout, which boasts a somber melody over an otherwise upbeat tempo.

“Deathless” by Ibeyi feat. Kamasi Washington

The Diaz sisters’ airy vocals are a striking match for punchy percussion and full choral motifs while Washington’s saxophone—which many might recognize from Kendrick Lamar and Thundercat’s albums—seamlessly laces through it all.

“Who’s That” by Leikeli47

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The masked Brooklyn rapper starts off her latest single stripped down to a bare drum beat, finger snaps and interjecting doo wop background vocals. But once the chorus hits, some smooth, dissonant jazz chords take the melody to the next level.

“Bones of Saints” by Robert Plant

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The Led Zeppelin vet releases a booming new track from his upcoming solo LP, Carry Fire. His backing band, the Sensational Space Shifters, provide the perfect sonic backdrop for his smokey vocals.

“Bodies” by Wafia

Wafia is using pop as protest. The 24-year-old makes a song about the Syrian refugee crisis “accessible” with an uplifting, lightweight alt-pop melody. The singer, whose mother is Syrian and father is Iraqi, penned the tune after Trump promised a Muslim ban, and when her family members’ refugee visas were denied when they tried to flee Syria for Australia.

“Through Enough” by VanJess feat. Goldlink

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Sister duo VanJess go for a danceable, electro-soul track, produced by Skyler Acord and Lophiile (who’s worked on tracks with H.E.R., Ray BLK and Gallant). DC rapper Goldlink adds the final touch by leaving his mark with his recognizably animated flow.

“Frontline” by Kelela

Kelela moves on from a broken relationship on the second single from her upcoming album, Take Me Apart. “[It’s] about exes going their separate ways. I wrote it through a breakup,” she told Essence. The song debuted in the best way—on the latest episode of Insecure.

“Why Don’t You Come On” by DJDS, Khalid & Empress Of

Khalid, dubbed Best New Artist by the 2017 MTV VMAs, offers his gravely, soulful voice to the DJ duo’s catchy track. With Empress Of’s silky vocals in the mix, the song comes together.

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